Australian cattle dog

Australian cattle dog is a cattle herding dog. Not tall, but stocky, with a strong broad head, covered with dense, short, hard hair. Smart, lively, full of temperament, he needs a lot of activity and movement. It should be given to experienced owners.

Nature

Australian cattle dog (ACD) is a hard dog, physically and mentally resistant. His goal and greatest pleasure is work. This does not mean that the ACD must necessarily live in the countryside and herd cattle. It is important that he has a task to do. Perfect for all dog sports, such as obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, and IPO.

Contact with the owner is very important for him and he is extremely loyal to him. He tolerates other family members. The biggest punishment for Australian Cattle Dog is isolation from people.

Skills

This breed was bred to herd semi-wild Australian cattle and still works well in this role. He is distrustful of strangers, which, combined with strong territorial and defense instincts, makes him an excellent watchman and defender.

Training and education

Australian cattle dog is very willing to cooperate with people, but at the same time, it is a quite stubborn and independent dog. It requires careful socialization and consistency in driving. Must necessarily have regular traffic and some occupation.

Who is this race for?

This is not a dog for everyone. In the wrong hands, it can become at least unbearable, or worse, aggressive and dangerous. However, a man who understands his needs and provides him with an occupation, will gain a faithful and devoted friend.

Australian cattle dog. Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

• sometimes stubborn and independent
• requires an experienced guide
• can be aggressive towards people and dogs
• needs a lot of movement and activity

Advantages

• susceptible to training
• you can do almost any dog ​​sport with him
• healthy and resilient
• easy to care for

Health

Australian cattle dog is an interesting coat. Available in two colors: blue or red roan. This interesting color comes from the fact that the black-tan or red coat is sifted with white hair. The exceptions are pure black or red patches found in some individuals. What’s more, Australians are born pure white. This feature was given to them after Dalmatian. It is only with time that colored hair begins to appear among the white coat of the puppies.

Unfortunately, deafness is associated with white color. This genetic disorder also affects Dalmatians and bull terriers. Dogs intended for breeding and puppies should have a BAER hearing test, as deafness can cover only one ear, and then it cannot be detected without specialized equipment. In addition to this disease, the Australian Shepherd Dog is a healthy and resistant breed.

Feeding

Australian cattle dog has no particular nutritional requirements, you can feed it with both home-made food and ready-made food.

Australian cattle dog. Care

It is not complicated – it is enough to comb the dog once every 2 weeks, more often during the molting period.

History

Australian farmers needed a strong dog to deal with wild cattle grazing in vast areas. That is why in the mid-nineteenth century Australian Cattle Dog was created, for which the meaning of life is work.

What’s more, this dog had to endure a dry, hot climate. Breeds brought from Europe did not prove themselves in such difficult conditions. So they were crossed with the Australian dingo adapted to the climate. Next to dingo, the ancestors of the Australian Cattle Dog include: Smithfield (a breed that no longer exists), Shorthair collie, Dalmatian, bull terrier and Australian Kelpie .

Template

Australian cattle dog – group I FCI, section 2, reference number 287

• Country of origin: Australia
• General impression: Strongly built, compact, proportional. Durable and resistant.
• Temperament: Brave, intelligent, alert, with a strong instinct for guarding and defense.
• Head: Skull broad, feet gentle, although clearly visible. Jaws strong with close-fitting lips. Eyes of medium size, oval, dark brown, set well apart, with distrustful eyes. Black nose. Ears, medium size.
• Body: Well muscled. The ratio of length to height is 10: 9.
• Tail: Set on low enough, it extends the back line.
• Coat: Short, two-layered: hard and close-fitting top coat; dense undercoat.
• COLOR: Blue roan or red roan. Blue dogs usually have tan meanings. There may be patches on the head – black for blue and red dogs for red roan respectively, symmetrical distribution of patches preferred. Patches on the body are acceptable but undesirable.
• Lifespan: 18-20 years
• Sizes: dogs: 46-51 cm, bitches: 43-48 cm.

Interesting facts

Australians value their native breeds very much. Australian cattle dogs often appear in Australian production films. One of the best-known examples is the Mad Max movie from 1979 – the first part of the known series, in which the main character is accompanied by the Australian Cattle Dog.